XSeries-forum

Hi, looking to get a set of spare rims to mount some winter rubber on. I see, going by the options/standard parts sticky's that 4.8's came with 20's as standard. There is a set of OEM X5 19's that have caught my eye and was wondering if they would have any issues??

TT

Not at all. You can deffo go down to 18's even. 19's will be fine.

In fact if you search CondorX5 posts I'm pretty sure there are pics of the 4.8 with tiny, tiny rimmage on it from the winter months.

My 4.8iS is still on its winter rubber which I'll get round to taking off next week.
I have 18 inch "99" style alloys which are the "recommended" wheels as below -

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/partgrp.do?m ... g=36&fg=15

The key point is that you can't use 17s which the other models can due to the increased size of the 4.8 front brakes. I went for the approved wheels to play safe (insurance etc ) and I found a set relatively cheaply via German ebay (ebay.de). It is a great source of well priced winter wheels and tyres and the dealers there will generally ship to the UK.I'm pretty sure that the X5 inchers will fit also although you do have the complication of different sizes front and rear. Mine are 255/55 R18 all round.
I put Vredestein Wintrac tyres on (sourced from Camskill) which have been superb. I've used the car for 4 skiing holidays now in all conditions and with temperatures down to -25 and it has been superb. Never had to use chains and frequently have driven past others putting them on/taking off/lost them etc.
I like the 99s - they have a good chunky look to them although not as good as the 20s.
From memory I paid just over £400 for the rims and about the same for the tyres.
Good luck.

Thanks for the info folks... the ones I'm looking at are still well under £150 with not a lot of time left. Cant believe how cheap X5 OEM rims are in general...looked at a few sets on Fleabay and there selling for pocket money compared to what I would expect 19/20" alloys to go for. Granted its a small(ish) market but still!!!

Good for potential wheel purchasers though

TT

Hmmm..just been looking at this sitehttp://www.alloywheelsdirect.net/bmw_al ... wheel_1401

For the type 63's (which are the ones that take my fancy) there is a line which states "not suitable for 4.6/4.8is". Just wondering if this is true.
The wheels I'm looking at on Fleabay finish soon so I would appreciate any quick confirmation etc anyone can provide..

TT

It may be that the ET values are wrong. The 4.8is is shown with ETs of 30 and 40 on the front and 45 on the rear The type 63s have an ET of 48 on the front. I don't know what the ET stands for but I guess it's to do with the offset.

I think that it is the relationship between where the "flat" plate where the bolts are is in relation to the total width of the wheel - looking from above.Hope that made sense.It is not smack in the middle as you might expect and was a new term to me when I looked at winter rims for the first time. If it says it definitely won't fit, I would tend to believe it.

ET is derived from the german term for offset. One in the same, as above represents the distance between the hub face of the alloy and the centre line of the wheel.

OK, thanks for that. I'm clear on what offsets are etc. Its curious that the type 63's would be SO different in offset at the front.

More to the point then....what style of OEM 19" wheel will fit the E53 4.8iS??

TT

No 19" are listed for the 4.8is. All apart from the 18" 'Winter Tyre Use only' are 20"s. Realoem matches that too from what I can see.

Surely someone must be running a set of 19's on their 4.8 as winter boots..???

TT

In all honesty all the OE 19 will most likely fit even though we run slightly bigger brakes. There's always spacers.

Most sites will say they are not for the 4.8's as they haven't tried them and on realoem and the like it only lists 20's. Plus they're trying to cover their own backs.

Right, now I'm REALLY confused..

Downloaded a PDF with, seemingly genuine, BMW 4.8iS brochure dated 2006. Near the bottom it shows wheel options. Guess whats in the list...style 63 19"..
Heres the link..
http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/attach ... 1169070658


Go figure....

As I said. Pretty much all the rims will fit no problems. Although the brakes are larger on the 4.8, they aren't that big. My BBK's will fit under 19's and they are 380mm discs...

The brochure is extremely strange - offering pre-facelift 19s in 2006?
Don't particularly like the other two styles either!